Stewart doubles up with ‘Carji’

GEELONG AFL vice-captain Tom Stewart has been awarded his second ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal.

Having won his first ‘Carji’ in 2021, Stewart polled 135 votes to take out the club’s top honour, with Tom Atkins finishing as runner up (105), with Gryan Miers rounding out the podium in third (93). Zach Guthrie (87) and Jeremy Cameron (69) completed the top five placings.

Stewart played 22 out of a possible 23 games, polling in 20 matches. He was judged the Cats’ best by the coaches in eight of those games.

The 30-year-old averaged 23 disposals per game this season, along with 8.3 marks and 512 metres gained and finished sixth in the AFL for intercept marks with 75. Stewart earned his fifth All Australian blazer last month, making it five All Australian honours in seven AFL seasons.

In another consistent season and building from his fifth placing last year, Atkins capped off an exceptional 2023 by finishing runner-up. Playing all 23 games, Atkins averaged 19.3 disposals and 7.6 tackles a game and registered the third most tackles by any player this season across the competition (175).

Rounding out the podium, Miers enjoyed a brilliant season in the Hoops. Miers played every game in 2023 with his unselfish nature in the forward half on full display, setting a club and League record of 41 goal assists in a home and away season.

In other awards presented during the presentation ceremony, held at Crown Melbourne last night (Thursday, October 5), Atkins claimed back-to-back Tom Harley Best Clubman awards.

Voted by the players, the Tom Harley Best Clubman award goes to the player who demonstrates outstanding care for his teammates, and who champions the club and team values.

In his first season as a Cat, Ollie Henry was named Best Young Player. Henry cemented his spot in a potent Cats forward line alongside Cameron and Hawkins, kicking an accurate 41 goals and 20 behinds. Playing all 23 games, Henry kicked at least one goal in 21 of his 23 games, including equalling his career high of four goals in a game on three occasions (Round 17, Round 21 and Round 22).

Stewart was also named the Carter Family Community Champion award for his outstanding commitment to the community. An exemplary leader on and off the field, Stewart’s contribution to the Cats Wishes program, along with his work with the Good Friday Appeal has made a positive impact in the lives of many young Cats fans going through difficult times.

The Little Vic award was presented to Mace Cousins, the VFL team’s best first year player in memory of long-serving Geelong volunteer Vic Fuller.

‘Carji’ Greeves Medal Top 10
1. Tom Stewart – 135 votes
2. Tom Atkins- 105 votes
3. Gryan Miers – 93 votes
4. Zach Guthrie – 87 votes
5. Jeremy Cameron – 69 votes
6. Mark Blicavs – 67 votes
7. Brad Close – 66 votes
8. Patrick Dangerfield – 62 votes
9. Tom Hawkins – 59 votes
10. Isaac Smith – 57 votes